Nicor is encouraging Illinois students to enter its annual Energy by Design poster contest and utilize their holiday breaks from school to create energy efficiency posters. Students who create winning designs can receive prizes which range from $75 "“ $1000. The deadline to enter is February 4, 2011.

Energy by Design is a visual arts contest designed to bring students, teachers, and families together to become more aware of how to use energy wisely and its effects on the environment. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade who attend schools within the Nicor Gas service area are eligible to participate. Energy by Design was developed by Nicor and the National Energy Foundation to help children learn more about the importance of being wise energy users.

"Nicor’s Energy by Design Contest is a great way to get students involved on a daily basis with deciding to save or spend money on energy," said Margi Schiemann, Senior Manager of Community Relations for Nicor Gas. She continued, "Our hope is that students will not only learn more about energy efficiency but that they will also share their newly acquired energy wise knowledge with family and friends."

To enter the Energy by Design contest, administered by participating teachers, young students are invited to create a poster that will educate others on how to be energy efficient. Students are also asked to write a short reflection about the important lessons learned or actions taken while creating their poster.

Entries are divided into three age-appropriate categories: grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. In each grade category there are four winners "“ Grand Prize and First, Second, and Third Place Finalists. There is also a category to award each teacher whose student wins the Grand Prize.

A panel of independent judges will choose winners in the three grade categories: K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. Winners will be notified in late March.

Prizes for Winners:

• $1000 U.S. savings bond (Grand Prize Winners)
• $200 U.S. savings bond (Top Three Finalists in each category)
• Pizza party for their classroom (up to $200)
• Prize pack filled with fun, age-appropriate prizes ($75 value)
• Congratulatory plaque recognizing the student (which may be displayed at the winners’ schools)

Contest information packets and registration materials can also be downloaded at EnergybyDesign.org.

About Nicor Inc.

Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company and is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Its primary business is Nicor Gas, one of the nation’s largest natural gas distribution companies. Nicor owns Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business serving the Caribbean region and the Bahamas. In addition, the company owns and has an equity interest in several energy-related businesses. For more information, visit the Nicor website at www.nicor.com.

NICOR Inc.

NICOR Inc.

Nicor Inc. (NYSE: GAS) is a holding company and is a member of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Its primary business is Nicor Gas, one of the nation's largest natural gas distribution companies. Nicor owns Tropical Shipping, a containerized shipping business serving the Caribbean region and the Bahamas. In addition, the company owns and has an equity interest in several energy-related businesses.

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